I experienced a somewhat interesting experience on the way home from the custom bimini guy. Going about 45 mph down the road, I had a frame failure at the weld point for the driver side leaf spring shackle. The frame just settled down on the spring, folding the shackle forward and taking the weight on the end of the leaf spring. This resulted in the fender settling down on the shoulder of the tire and causing a lot of smoke down the road. Luckily I was able to pull over into a parking lot without causing any trouble for me or traffic. I spent about an hour dismantling the fender and then was able to limp home with the frame just resting on the leaf spring. Here are some pictures. Taken with my floor jack jacking frame off spring for picture taking.

Questions I have for anyone willing to share: Anyone ever have this happen to them? Advice for moving forward? I'm thinking two pieces of steel welded together to wrap around the frame at the failure point and weld the the bracket for the shackle to the lower piece. The boat and trailer are both 2001. I'm the second owner, any chance Mastercraft would stand behind this kind of failure (I'm not expecting it, but would be impressed if possible.

Yeah, it was a pipe dream at best. 12 years is a long time. My only real head scratcher on this is that it was a critical portion of the frame/running gear. This would be one of the last things I would expect to go on this trailer. I take it then this is uncommon but not necessarily un-expected? I'm moving with this boat and trailer in February, should there be thought to perhaps servicing the other three welded brackets for the springs? Thanks for the help.

I have put the trailer in brackish water a few times out here. I've been pretty good about washing it down when I get it back to the driveway. Am I potentially looking at a bigger problem inside the box frame?

Ours is a early 2001 ( aug 2000 boat delivery date) and has torsion axles- hmmmm maybe older trailer purchased by PO and originally ordered without one? Can you find a mfg plate or sticker telling the year? Also ours is a 205v so maybe some used leafs and some didn't?

Ours is a early 2001 ( aug 2000 boat delivery date) and has torsion axles- hmmmm maybe older trailer purchased by PO and originally ordered without one? Can you find a mfg plate or sticker telling the year? Also ours is a 205v so maybe some used leafs and some didn't?